From the ornate architecture of downtown buildings to center stage at Lost Nation Theater, from the dominating figures standing watch over Barre to delicate paintings at Studio Place Arts, and from the sweep of the golden dome to the works at Artisan’s Hand, Central Vermont provides residents and visitors a stunning array of art in every medium.

Because it’s so much a part of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook.

As spring unfolds and nature begins painting the landscape with blossoms, the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce urges residents to take in a generous helping of man-made artistry as well.

Between Lost Nation, the Barre Opera House, and the Valley Players Theater, there is a performance for every taste and preference.

Artistry in granite can be enjoyed at the quarry, in the buildings, on the green, in the cemeteries, and throughout the Statehouse.

Most residents have seen the Statehouse a thousand times, and most haven’t been inside in a decade. It is an art museum in its own right with gorgeous paintings, decorative ceilings, ornate chandeliers, decorative rugs and period furniture. It even has intricate stained-glass “skylights.”

May 25-26 will be Open Studio Weekend when scores of private art studios will be open to the public. Jewelers, potters, painters, sculptors and others welcome the public to see the process and the products that flow tirelessly from every nook and cranny in Vermont. Information and maps are posted at www.vermontcrafts.com.

Some artists dabble in the edible, too. Craft brewers, and wine and cheese makers abound.

The warmer weather lends itself to a road trip that will combine your enjoyment of Vermont’s natural beauty with the beauty that many Vermonters themselves have added to our landscape.

George Malek is executive director of the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce.